SM cultivates livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmers

SM cultivates livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmers

The SM Group continues to promote inclusive development by providing smallholder farmers with practical, long-term farming skills, allowing them to improve their livelihoods and boost food security within their communities.

At the heart of this program is the SM Foundation's Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Programme, which has trained 32,359 farmers.  In total, the SM Foundation and Philippine Geothermal Production Company, among others, have trained approximately 49,000 farmers statewide.

The KSK initiative will expand to more rural towns by 2025, including underserved areas in Northern Mindanao, Bicol, and parts of Visayas, bringing opportunities closer to those who need them the most.

“We believe inclusive growth starts at the community level. By investing in smallholder farmers, we are not only helping secure local food supply chains but also creating pathways to improved quality of life in the rural sector.” ~Cristie Angeles, SM Foundation’s Assistant Vice President for Livelihood and Outreach Programs

Through hands-on learning, KSK provides participants with practical backyard and small-scale farming strategies for increasing crop quality and yield.  More crucially, the program connects them to local marketplaces and SM's larger supplier network, promoting cooperative formation and allowing agricultural families to earn more stable, long-term incomes. 

These initiatives are consistent with data from the Asian Development Bank, which identified smallholder farmers as the backbone of food systems in poor countries, accounting for 84% of all farms and producing approximately one-third of the world's food.  In the Philippines, where many people farm less than a hectare of land, access to information, technology, and markets is important.

To strengthen market ties, SM established the SM Weekend Market, a platform that allows local farmers and agripreneurs to directly sell their produce in high-traffic mall locations.  The weekend market connects local farmers with new clientele, including everyday shoppers, mall employees, and tenants.

SM's commitment to the community extends across all of its businesses.  Through the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), SM promotes urban agriculture programs in collaboration with the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, promoting sustainable gardening and selecting farm locations for long-term development.

These programs reflect the SM Group's broader objective of serving as a partner for inclusive growth by developing real, inclusive possibilities that promote rural development, empower livelihoods, and build local economies.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

Banking on history: SM’s efforts at heritage preservation

A group of students and faculty hand sign a thankful message following the rehabilitation of their facilities at the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD). 

SM is making progress in the preservation of cultural landmarks, demonstrating its commitment to generating long-term social benefit in addition to financial success. 

SM, through the Henry Sy Foundation and the SM Foundation, recently completed the restoration of the West Visayas State University's (WVSU) Quezon Hall in Iloilo City, a genuine educational and architectural landmark protected by the 2009 National Heritage Act, as identified by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. 

SM has long complemented its national economic expansion with programs that promote growth and well-being in the areas where it operates, with recent social expenditures including the restoration of architectural monuments.

“These cultural landmarks are irreplaceable—once lost, we cannot bring them back. Preservation is a collective responsibility. It goes beyond installing commemorative plaques; it means breathing new life into these spaces so they continue to serve, inspire, and remain accessible to future generations. In restoring these heritage educational institutions, we honor the generations of learning they have nurtured. Our hope is that through preservation, we help spark more opportunities for education and personal growth—not just today, but for many years to come.” ~Deborah P. Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation

The restoration project strictly adhered to the guidelines set by the NHCP to ensure its structural and cultural integrity. While keeping the building’s original character intact, modern sustainable features were mindfully integrated, including energy-efficient lighting, inverter air conditioning units, and the use of paint with light reflective finishes to optimize energy consumption. 

“I believe it is captured already in this slogan: People Helping People. The two foundations and WVSU have a common understanding on the pursuit of changing people's lives for the better.” ~Julius Undar, WVSU Chief Administration Officer

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), heritage sites are critical for societies because their preservation not only establishes an inherent cultural value for future generations, but also has the potential to contribute to social, economic, and environmental goals. 

Last year, the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) finished the renovation of its senior high school building laboratory facilities.  PSD was founded in 1907 with the goal of providing educational opportunities for people with disabilities.

SM, through the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation completed the restoration of West Visayas State University’s (WVSU) Quezon Hall in Iloilo City.

The SM Group collaborated on the project with Pasay's Department of Education (DepEd) and the city's local government unit. Modern learning facilities were built to supplement the century-old school and transform it into an inclusive learning hub, complete with areas for practical learning in electronics, computer technology, and the performing arts.

Taal Vista Hotel, a pre-World War II jewel that opened in 1939, exemplifies SM's commitment to cultural preservation. 

In 1936, Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon envisioned building a hotel near the Tagaytay peak with the best view of Taal Lake.  Mr. Henry Sy Sr. had a special connection to the hotel because he used to frequent it.  The SM company purchased it in 1988 and renovated the 25-cabin lodge into a 262-room hotel with modern renovations such as a new wing to accommodate more conference facilities, events, and first-rate services.

Another example is the restoration of China Banking Corporation's (China Bank) original headquarters in Binondo, Manila.  The Binondo Heritage Restoration Project restored the bank's century-old building to its previous Neo-Classic Beaux Arts brilliance.  The restoration became the focal point of China Bank's centenary celebration in 2020. 

In 2021, China Bank was awarded a historical marker by the NHCP and an Important Cultural Property marker by the National Museum, recognizing the bank's consistent dedication to preserving not only its business history but also the national legacy.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

SM’s loyalty program raises PHP30M to help address lack of food security, quality education

Half of the raised funds, almost PHP15 million, were donated to SM Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM Group. In photo are (from left to right): Ramon Gil Macapagal, Board of Trustee of SM Foundation, Yaracel Macalindong, VP for Sales and Marketing of SMAC, Carmen Atayde, Director for Education of SM Foundation, and Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC. 

In partnership with Globe's Hapag Movement and the SM Foundation, SMAC, SM's loyalty program, raised almost PHP30 million between December 2023 and January 2024 to address involuntary hunger and lack of access to high-quality education nationwide.

SMAC and the Hapag Movement have partnered for the second year with the goal of providing 100,000 Filipino families with training for sustainable livelihoods and supplemental feeding. 10,000 families benefited from the PHP5.5 million raised during the campaign last year.  

Every time a SMAC kit was sold, P50 was donated to the campaign, which SMAC supported. Moreover, bonus points were contributed to the campaign for each eligible purchase made from participating SM Retail affiliates, such as SM Store, SM Fashion, SM Beauty, SM Appliance Center, Kultura, Our Home, Surplus, Sport Central, Silk Issues, Levi's, Forever 21, The Body Shop, Echo, and Crate and Barrel. 

“We owe our success to the participation of our loyal SMAC membership. Every purchase they made, every point they donated, goes a long way to the underprivileged families. Together, we can build a future where no one goes hungry. These will go into programs that will directly impact the lives of many Filipinos. Hapag's vision of fighting involuntary hunger resonates with SMAC, our retail partners, and our SMAC member base.” ~Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer, SMAC

The partnership between SMAC and Globe this year generated close to 30 million points, which will be given to the SM Foundation and the Hapag Movement. 

United to make a difference

Hunger in the nation has increased from 14.2% in March 2024 to 17.6% in June 2024, according to the most recent Social Weather Station (SWS) survey. 

Globe's Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Yoly Crisanto, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of working with SMAC.

“This partnership goes beyond seasonal efforts, providing sustainable support to families. By helping stave off involuntary hunger and enabling households to improve their livelihood, we’re building a foundation for lasting change. We are excited to continue this work and invite other organizations to collaborate with us so that together, we can make a difference.” Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer

Partner organizations of the Hapag Movement include UN World Food Programme, Ayala Foundation, and World Vision Philippines. 

Collaborating for good: SMAC and Globe executives as well as the campaign’s beneficiaries attended the turnover ceremony. From left to right: David Y. Jo, Head of Partnerships, Communications and Reports, UN World Food Programme; Eduardo C. Jimenez, Vice Chairperson, World Vision; Jun N. Godornes, Director for Resource Development, World Vision; Celerina R. Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Communications, Ayala Foundation; Yoly C. Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Globe; Kevin Y. Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC; and Yaracel S. Macalindong, VP for Sales and Marketing of SMAC.

“SMAC has proven that business and customers can unite to make a meaningful difference, and together we are helping build communities across the nation. Simply chose to give have changed lives, especially for economically challenged but deserving students from vulnerable communities. SMFI shares with our fellow recipients, our fellow beneficiaries, the deep appreciation of SMAC's big heart to make a difference in the lives of the underserved members of our society.” ~Carmen Atayde, Director for Education, SM Foundation

The donation will allow 35 underprivileged students to pursue and finish their education. On the 31st year of the SM Foundation, they have already supported 4,500 graduates. 

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth-largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com.

Sinag Schools program powers up school in Batangas

SM Supermalls employee volunteers led the distribution of donations from SM Foundation to the students of Lemery Pilot Elementary School.

SM Foundation (SMFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group, together with Maxeon Solar Technologies, recently powered up the Lemery Pilot Elementary School (LPES) in Batangas through the Sinag Schools program.

This social good collaboration between SMFI and Maxeon aims to provide clean and renewable energy to schools in grassroot communities by installing solar panels on an SM school building, especially to those that have low operating expenses.

SM Foundation and Maxeon Solar Technologies formally held the community launch of the Sinag Schools Program at Lemery Pilot Elementary School in Batangas.

In addition to the solar panel installation which intends to power positive change in the way energy is consumed in public schools, the program also aims to enhance the understanding of students in terms of energy management and the need to transition to cleaner energy alternatives with lower environmental impacts.

“Through this program, we want to power up the learning and development of young people. We want to help teach young people about solar energy, about renewable energy. We want to power up the next generation to help save our planet. We have this concept of powering positive change in the world. We are happy to be working together with SM Foundation to power up the Lemery Pilot Elementary School. Individually, we can do so much. But together we can do actually more. For us to bring our solar technology and SMFI to bring in their schools, these things are much better together than they would be apart.” ~Glenn Everett, Maxeon Fab4 General Manager

The SM school building at the LPES, which was donated by SMFI in partnership with SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) in 2017, now boasts 21 solar panels—estimated to produce 6510 watt-p. With the savings on electricity, the school may realign their budget to more efforts and other innovations that will give the students an environment more conducive to learning.

It takes a village to raise a child

SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy underscored the importance of collective efforts in advancing the learning experience of every student in the country: 

“We believe that collaboration can drive growth and become a force for good in addressing societal challenges. CSR partnerships can create solutions that improve society by fostering learning, promoting innovation and gaining access to new technologies, such as the Sinag schools program. CSR collaboration can pool resources, both financial and human resources - between multiple organizations which can amplify social good impact. The establishment of an ever-evolving CSR strategy and partnerships will help companies and non-government organizations in developing and implementing crucial social good programs over decades while having procedures in place that integrate social and environmental priorities into CSR core strategy – all in close collaboration with stakeholders.” ~Debbie Sy, SMFI Executive Director

Moreover, Everett mentioned how SMFI and Maxeon share the similar set of values and interest when it comes to helping Filipino learners.

Spreading social good all the way

SM Foundation made sure to truly touch the lives of the learners and teachers of LPES as it donated eight desktop computers, 200 bags with school supplies, and more than 160 pcs brand new kinder and elementary books to further promote the love for reading among the students. Clothing items for parents were also distributed.

For more information about this initiative, follow SM Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube: @SMFoundationInc.

Maxeon is headquartered in Singapore. The company designs, manufactures, and sells Maxeon® and SunPower® brand solar panels. Maxeon has sales operations in more than 100 countries, operating under the SunPower brand in certain countries outside the United States. Maxeon is a leader in solar innovation with products that span the global rooftop and solar power plant markets through a network of more than 1,700 trusted partners and distributors. A pioneer in sustainable solar manufacturing, Maxeon leverages a +35-year history in the solar industry and numerous awards for its technology.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School program. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. To date, it has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities.